Inflation Could Actually Save You Money This Summer!

In response to rising fuel prices, Goodyear Launches National "Free Air" Campaign; Proper Tire Inflation Could Save American Drivers More than $1.1 Billion this Summer!

AKRON, Ohio, May 23 -- Are you one of the many Americans suffering from sticker-shock ... at the gas pump? Shaking your head at the national average of $2.91 per gallon for self-serve regular? Worried about your gas mileage and the cost of traveling this summer?

How would you like to save about $1.50 every time you fill-up? If so, you're not alone. The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company today launched a nationwide campaign that has the potential to save American motorists more than $1.1 billion dollars in unnecessary fuel costs this summer.

With many Americans on the verge of long-distance summer driving trips and the price of gas likely to remain high, motorists all over the country will be looking for ways to make vehicle fuel mileage work in their favor. One of the fastest, easiest and least expensive ways to improve a vehicle's gas mileage is through proper tire inflation.

To help consumers maximize their fuel economy and also improve their tires' performance and efficiency, Goodyear has developed the "Free Air" Campaign. Beginning today, motorists can have their tires - regardless of brand or where they were bought - inspected for free at any of the 750 Goodyear-owned and at participating independently owned and operated locations across the country.

The free tire check includes an inspection of tread condition and tire inflation. If tires are underinflated, they will be filled to recommended levels at no charge. No appointment is necessary.

"Rising fuel prices will continue to have a dramatic impact on many of us throughout the busy summer driving season," said Joey Viselli, Director, Marketing Services, Goodyear North America. "We want America to know that being proactive can make a huge difference when it comes to increasing gas mileage and saving money at the pump.

"When gas prices are this high, it's easy to see why tire maintenance is so important. A tire that is underinflated doesn't roll as smoothly or as easily and the increased rolling resistance requires more energy, which robs the vehicle of fuel efficiency," added Viselli.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, gas prices shot up nearly 25 cents per gallon over the past two weeks alone. Industry experts are projecting this price will top $3.00 a gallon in most of the country by Memorial Day Weekend.

What does that mean for the average American motorist? Consider these figures:

   - Underinflated tires alone cost the country more than 3.5 million
     gallons of gasoline each day.  According to those figures, that will
     amount to nearly 392 million gallons over the 16 week summer driving
     season or the equivalent of more than 20.2 million barrels of crude
     oil.  At a projected average of $3.00 per gallon, motorists could pay
     more than $1.1 billion dollars this summer in unnecessary fuel costs.
     (Source:  US Department of Energy)
   - One in every three cars in the U.S. has at least one underinflated
     tire.  That means more than 44 million people in the U.S. are driving
     with underinflated tires.  (Source:  National Highway Traffic Safety
     Administration)
   - The average consumer could improve their gas mileage by 3.3% by simply
     keeping their tires inflated to the proper pressure.  For the average
     driver in the U.S. (15 gallon fuel tank) that's a savings of about
     $1.50 on every fill-up.  (Source:  US Department of Energy)
   - For the average American SUV, a 3.3% improvement in as mileage
     translates to nearly 8 additional miles per tank-full and for the
     average passenger car, it is even more, nearly 10 more miles per fill
     up.  (Source:  US Department of Energy)
   - Only 19% of drivers properly check their tire pressure, and more than
     half of all motorists do not even know their proper inflation number or
     where to find it.  In fact, further data reveals that 75% of U.S.
     drivers are likely to wash their cars each month, while only 14%
     properly check their tire pressure. (Source:  Rubber Manufacturers
     Association)

"With the free air pump disappearing from gas stations across the country, consumers have to look harder for a place to inflate their tires ... and likely end up paying for it at a coin-operated pump," continued Viselli. "A consumers' best bet is to find a knowledgeable tire professional to help them get the most fuel efficiency out of their tires."

For more information about Goodyear's broad selection of tires for cars, light trucks, SUVs, and more, visit http://www.goodyeartires.com/.